Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a hair transplantation technique in which hair is removed from the scalp in follicular units in the same manner that hair grows. These follicular units are then inserted into areas of hair loss; hairline, crown, eyebrow, etc.
Hair grows from the scalp in groupings called follicular units (FU) that contain 1 to 5 hairs. The average FU contains 2.5 hairs. The isolated removal of follicular units is known as Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). FUE is performed with small punches usually 0.8mm or 0.9mm in diameter. These punches heal without suturing. The isolated follicular units are then inserted into about 1mm incisions in areas of hair loss. The donor area is usually located in back and sides of the scalp. There is also less discomfort post-operatively in the donor area after a FUE compared to the strip method of hair transplantation which will be discussed later. The healing process is usually quicker in the donor area compared to the strip method. The recipient area where hair is implanted heals at the same rate for both methods.
The FUE scar is less obvious after healing compared to the strip method. However, the hair in the donor area must be clipped about 1mm long before the procedure. So the hundreds or thousands of punches will be noticeable after the procedure for about a week. Even though there are no sutures to be removed, Dr. Zacco routinely re-checks patients at no additional cost the next day, 5 days, 10 days, 6 months, and 12 months after the procedure to assure optimal results.
The other method of hair transplantation is strip harvesting in which the donor hair follicles are removed in a strip of tissue from an incision that is sutured or stapled closed. The incision averages about 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) long depending on the number grafts to transplant. Under a stereo-microscope using fine instruments, the FU’s are separated from the surrounding tissue producing follicular units.
After the patient has eaten lunch and is reclining comfortably, implanting the FU grafts begins. The implanting of grafts are basically the same regardless of the harvesting technique used whether it is the FUE or Strip Method. For implantation, small incisions about 1mm are made and then the grafts are inserted using ultra fine forceps. At AZ Hair Restoration/Anti-Aging & Aesthetic Medical Center, ultra fine follicular units are transplanted and produce a virtually undetectable hair transplantation. At the end of either the FUE or Strip Method of hair transplantation, dressing is applied for graft protection and patient comfort. The dressing is removed and the hair is washed by Dr. Zacco and staff.
With both the strip and FUE method of hair transplantation, we provide the patient with nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and our specialized Ouchless Injection Technique to maximize comfort.
The comparison of the FUE and strip method is sometimes complicated so during your free consultation, Dr. Zacco will create an individualized plan for you and explain your options. You and Dr. Zacco together will decide on a plan that is right for you
The comparison of FUE hair transplanting to the strip method is charted below:
FUE STRIP
| The scarring is less noticeable once healed, but more noticeable until it is healed about 1-2 weeks. The shortly clipped hair can usually not conceal punches. There is no lineal scar. | The sutures and linear scar can be concealed by the existing hair that is left long. |
| No suture is required. | Sutures or staples are required. |
| Optimal if relatively small number of grafts are required. | Optimal if a large number of grafts are required. |
| This is one of the latest additions to the field of hair transplantation. | This is a tried and proven technique in hair transplantation. |
| Patients with very curly hair are usually not candidates for FUE. | Can accommodate any hair type. |
| FUE is about twice the cost. | About ½ the cost of FUE. |
| Dr. Zacco uses the “Harris SAFE” instrument that markedly decreases the transection rate, which increases the quality of the hair transplantation. | There are some instrumentation that increase transection rate which decrease the quality of the hair transplantation. |
After a thorough evaluation, Dr. Arthur Zacco will answer all your questions and make sure that you have a complete understanding of your options and confidence to reach your goal.
Call today to schedule your first step in looking and feeling better at (919) 362-5090